What if the adorable puppy you’re eyeing came from a life of unimaginable suffering—and you could prevent it with a few simple checks?

In this episode of Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, host Dr. Johnny Lieberman chats with Koli Walker, manager at family-owned Healthy Pets Northwest in Portland, Oregon, about the hidden world of puppy mills and responsible dog breeding. Koli reveals how the first eight weeks of a puppy’s life shape its future health, from allergies to anxiety, and breaks down red flags like breeders who won’t let you meet the parents or facility.

From the horrors of commercial breeding operations to the power of “adopt, don’t shop,” they discuss why pet stores may still source from mills, the flaws in USDA oversight, and how choosing adoption saves lives—while touching on better nutrition for longer, healthier pet lives.

Whether you’re dreaming of a new furry family member or just love dogs, this episode arms you with the knowledge to make ethical, informed choices that prioritize animal welfare and public health.

Top 3 Takeaways:

1. The First Eight Weeks Are Critical for Lifelong Health
   A puppy’s early life with its mother and littermates is essential for proper nutrition, socialization, and development. Removing them too soon leads to behavioral issues like severe anxiety and health problems like allergies or stunted growth—issues that can persist for life.
2. Spot Red Flags in Breeders to Avoid Puppy Mills
   Beware if a breeder won’t let you visit the facility, meet the parents, or disclose litter history (e.g., a mom on her 8th+ litter signals overbreeding). Sponsored by big brands but inflexible on food? Another warning. Responsible breeders limit litters (3-5 max) and retire breeding dogs humanely.
3. Adopt, Don’t Shop—And Demand Transparency from Pet Stores
   Shelters euthanize 600,000+ dogs and cats yearly due to overcrowding, while puppy mills profit from misery. Opt for adoption to save lives and avoid funding abuse. In pet stores, ask for breeder details; USDA certification isn’t a guarantee of humane treatment due to lax enforcement.

About the Guest – Koli Walker

Koli Walker - the inventory specialist for Healthy Pets Northwest and am part of the family that owns it. Every animal deserves a happy healthy life and we aim to help them achieve that.
Website: https://healthypetsnw.com

About the Show

Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health explores the intersection of animal welfare, public policy, and human health. Hosted by Dr. Johnny Lieberman, each episode invites changemakers, legal experts, and health advocates to shed light on what really impacts our communities—and what we can do about it.

About the Host

Dr. Johnny Lieberman is a physician, public health advocate, and lifelong animal lover with a passion for connecting the dots between animal welfare, human behavior, and the systems that shape our lives. With a background in both medicine and public health policy, Johnny brings a unique lens to conversations about how our treatment of animals impacts human health, the environment, and social justice.

In Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, Johnny brings warmth, curiosity, and a dash of wit to tough conversations that matter. From exposing the realities of factory farming to uncovering the links between zoonotic diseases and our food systems, his goal is to empower listeners to be informed, compassionate, and engaged citizens—while still keeping it real (and sometimes bringing in puppies).

Whether he's discussing legislative loopholes or snuggling his rescue dog between recordings, Dr. Lieberman believes that creating a healthier world starts with how we treat its most vulnerable beings.